Author: Nomthandazo Ntisa
If you applied for NSFAS funding for 2026, the status messages on your profile can change multiple times before a final decision is confirmed. These outcomes affect university and TVET applicants, including many Gauteng students who rely on regular updates to plan registration and allowances. The updates do not appear instantly because NSFAS must verify identity, household income, and institutional registration before funding is finalised. Understanding what each status outcome means helps applicants interpret delays, track progress, and know what happens next in the funding process. According to NSFAS, application progress moves through defined checks that include document screening, database…
Prepaid electricity users across Gauteng often notice that they receive fewer electricity units later in the month, even when spending the same amount of money. This affects households supplied by municipalities such as Johannesburg and Tshwane, where residential electricity tariffs are structured using inclining block tariffs. The issue matters now as electricity costs continue to rise and more households rely on prepaid meters to manage tight monthly budgets. According to municipal tariff frameworks and energy sector explanations, the change in units is usually not caused by the day electricity is purchased, but by how much electricity a household has already…
Job scams targeting unemployed and underemployed South Africans are increasing, with Gauteng job seekers among the most affected due to the province’s high unemployment rate and dense digital job market. Fraudulent job offers are being used to steal money, personal information, and banking details from people actively searching for work. The issue matters now as more residents rely on online platforms and social media to find employment, creating fertile ground for scammers posing as recruiters, employers, or government-linked agencies.
The City of Tshwane continues to operate multiple municipal bus routes serving Pretoria Moot and the surrounding northern suburbs, providing weekday public transport links between residential areas and the Pretoria CBD. The routes affect commuters travelling from neighbourhoods including Wonderboom South, Waverley, Villieria, Rietfontein, Queenswood and Moregloed. The information matters now as residents rely on scheduled municipal services amid rising transport costs and limited alternatives for peak-hour travel into the city.
Thousands of first-time homebuyers in Gauteng rely on the First Home Finance subsidy, previously known as FLISP, to afford bonded homes, but incomplete documentation remains one of the main reasons applications are delayed or rejected. The Department of Human Settlements requires applicants to submit a strict set of supporting documents alongside the application form. The issue matters now because demand for housing assistance continues to rise amid high interest rates and mounting pressure on household incomes.
The Gauteng Rental Housing Tribunal offers free dispute resolution services to tenants and landlords across the province, providing a lawful alternative to costly court action and private legal fees. The service affects renters facing deposit disputes, illegal evictions, unfair rental increases, or unresolved maintenance issues, as well as landlords seeking clarity and enforcement of lease agreements. This matters now as Gauteng’s rental market continues to experience pressure from rising living costs, high housing demand, and increasing conflict between tenants and property owners.
Castor oil has re-emerged as a widely discussed natural remedy, with people using it for constipation relief, skin moisture, and hair care routines. The renewed interest affects adults exploring traditional remedies, consumers buying natural oils for beauty use, and households seeking affordable home solutions. This matters now because castor oil is one of the few traditional remedies with a medically recognised use, while many other popular claims remain unproven and can carry real risks if misunderstood or misused.
Thousands of South African matriculants are turning to free online courses to build practical skills after leaving school, as the cost of tertiary education continues to rise and youth unemployment remains high. The trend affects school leavers who do not immediately enter university or college, as well as those waiting for placement, funding decisions, or job opportunities. As the 2026 academic year approaches, online learning platforms are increasingly filling the gap between matric, further study, and entry-level work.
The City of Tshwane has positioned e-Tshwane as its primary online platform for municipal account payments, changing how residents settle electricity, water, and municipal bills. The system allows payments to reflect in the City’s billing environment in real time, reducing delays that have historically led to service interruptions and billing disputes. This matters now as municipalities across Gauteng continue to manage high payment volumes, account backlogs, and reconnection requests.
The 2026 public school calendar has been formally confirmed, setting out when learners will attend school and when schools will close for each term during the year. The calendar affects learners, parents, teachers, and school administrators nationwide, including Gauteng, where school schedules play a critical role in transport, childcare, and work planning. This matters now as Term 1 approaches its final weeks, with schools scheduled to close at the end of March.